Review: NORRONA bitihorn dri1 Jacket - A beloved rainwear that's packed with the charm of a Scandinavian brand

Wear

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Gear Review , Rainwear , NORRONA

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

table of contents

A comfortable blend of functionality and simple beauty
Detailed Review
Summary: What activities is it recommended for?

A comfortable blend of functionality and simple beauty

I absolutely love Scandinavian design. Its colorful and gentle designs cherish the simple beauty and charm of nature. And yet, its simple, highly functional, and calculated form eliminates all unnecessary elements. Whenever I come across a great Scandinavian product, I'm captivated by its beautifully sublimated form, which consistently embodies the philosophy of "combining minimalist beauty with functionality (ease of use)." Norrona, a long-established Norwegian outdoor brand with over 80 years of history, embodies this wonderful philosophy of Scandinavian brands in its products. So, let's get started with a review of this simple, functional, and stylish rainwear

For a thorough comparison of recommended rainwear, including Vitihorn, see "Comparative Test: A Comparison of Ultra-Lightweight Rainwear for Mountain Climbing and Running [2016 Edition]"

We also recommend this article about rainwear

Detailed Review

Item name (price)

NORRONA bitihorn dri 1 Jacket (List price: 32,400 yen)

Front and back (the color scheme in the photo is the 2014 model)

Main specifications and evaluation

For a thorough comparison of recommended rainwear, including Vitihorn, see "Comparative Test: A Comparison of Ultra-Lightweight Rainwear for Mountain Climbing and Running [2016 Edition]"

evaluation
Waterproof (20 points)	16
Breathability (20 points)	17
Comfort (20 points)	17
Weight (10 points)	9
Storage capacity (10 points)	9
Durability (5 points)	2
Ease of use (5 points)	3
Design (5 points)	5
Price (5 points)	2
Overall score	80
Specifications
material	dri 1
Layer	2.5 layer
Color variations	Electric Blue Rebel Red Bamboo Green Cool Black/Bedrock
weight	214g (size L)
pocket	2 (chest)
pit zip	can be
Food	It's small, but that doesn't mean you can't wear a helmet
Storage method	Nothing in particular

This is amazing!

High comfort with consideration given to every aspect

The pit zips on both sides, for venting heat and steam, are larger than any jacket I've seen before

Developed for more active activities like trail running, this jacket incorporates numerous features to eliminate discomfort during intense activity. First, its proprietary dri1 material boasts breathability surpassing that of Gore-Tex, and its bold pit zips provide peace of mind even when you sweat a lot The lining is supple and smooth against the skin, minimizing stickiness even when you sweat . Furthermore, the stretchy outer fabric allows you to bend and stretch naturally, without any stiffness or tightness . I've never encountered a jacket with such thorough pursuit of comfort.

Thorough lightweight and compact design

It doesn't come with a stuff sack, but it can be compressed tightly to become this compact

Don't just think of 214g as just being light. While there are certainly lighter ultra-light rain jackets available, many of those jackets (reluctantly) omit essential features. On the other hand, you won't find anything like this item with pit zips and two pockets that weighs just 214g, so its specifications are simply astonishing .

Two types of pockets that add an accent to the design

The asymmetrical chest pocket has a playful, Scandinavian feel to it, with the smaller pocket large enough to fit keys or a smartphone, and the larger pocket large enough to fit a map .

One-action adjustable hood

Unlike regular rainwear, the hood only be adjusted with a drawstring at the back of the head, . I thought it might be less flexible, but it fits snugly around my head and face.

High quality of other basic parts

are wide enough to fit even small wrists like mine .

The hem can be adjusted with drawcords on both sides to prevent wind and rain from seeping in and to prevent body heat loss

This is not so good

durability

As is the fate of this type of ultra-lightweight jacket, it is made quite thin, so you need to be careful with sharp objects (although it is not yet confirmed whether it can be used for a long period of time)

price

Since its founding, the company has continued to challenge itself with innovative technology and original designs, while remaining family-run and committed to developing products by hand, and unfortunately, many of its products are priced a little out of reach for most people in Japan. However, the designs and high performance that make them a long-lasting favorite are certainly not unworthy of the price

Summary: What activities is it recommended for?

With its excellent waterproof, windproof, and breathable properties, this jacket is highly versatile and can be used for summer trail running, cycling, and trekking, as well as in winter depending on the cold weather layer you wear underneath. However, the hood does not appear to be designed with a helmet in mind, so caution is advised when engaging in climbing activities. While it is true that there are cheaper competing products available, the value of a product is, of course, not just its functionality. For those who do not compromise on either function or design and who are particular about the overall appeal of the product, including the brand philosophy behind it, this product is sure to satisfy your curiosity and spirit of exploration

Bitihorn Dri1 Jacket

NORRONA

34,560 yen

214g

dri1 (2.5 layers)